If this is your first visit, be sure to
check out the FAQ by clicking the
link above. You can view all our content without registering, but to post to the forum (make comments) you will need to register
-- it's free and easy!

Work starts on improvements to downtown's Kerr Park

Published on 06-24-2018 05:36 AM

Construction has started on the first of several improvements to Kerr Park, located in the heart of the central business district.

The park was reopened over two years ago after a complete reworking by SandRidge Energy as part of the company's ambitious plans which saw the complete overhaul of their tower to the north and new construction of the Parkside Building to the west.

Originally built in the mid-70's by the Kerr McGee corporation, the park was largely tiered concrete and filled with aging water features.

When SandRidge bought the old Kerr-McGee facilities from Chesapeake Energy, they hatched a plan to demolish several buildings and install heavily landscaped areas all around their heaquarters 30-story tower.

A new Kerr Park was part of this plan but the final result was somewhat bare and certainly under-utilized.

The Downtown OKC Partnership worked with SandRidge and the Oklahoma City Parks Department to secure a grant as part of Southwest Airlines' Heart of the Community program.

After meeting with stakeholders and holding community workshops, work has commenced on a large shade structure that will feature artwork commissioned from local artists.

Soon, several other amenities will be added in advance an unveiling later this summer.

A shade pavilion is already under construction and a huge refinished table that once sat in a Kerr-McGee conference room has already been installed.

As a whole, the park will gain seating under the pavilion, more chairs and cafe tables, benches and lounges, shaded picnic tables, a ping pong table, bocce ball equipment, planters and new landscaping.

Common Works Architects is responsible for the design and LINGO is handling construction.